Meaning of the Gibbons family crest symbols
Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.
Shield - Fess
The fess is an ancient symbol within heraldry and represents one who upholds good conscience, honour and religion against evil forces. It is also a message for future generations to pursue the same.
Meaning of the Gibbons coat of arms colors
Silver
The silver or white color on the coat of arms, (known as 'Argent'), signifies sincerity and peacefulness. It is one of the oldest colors known in ancient heraldry.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Gibbons name meaning and origin
Gibbons is an Anglo-Saxon surname that originated in England. It is derived from the personal name Gibbon, which is a diminutive of the popular medieval name Gilbert. The name Gilbert itself means 'bright pledge' or 'bright hostage'. Therefore, the surname Gibbons can be interpreted as 'son of Gilbert' or 'son of the bright pledge'.
History of family crests like the Gibbons coat of arms
Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.
The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.
The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.
Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.
Gibbons name variations and their meaning
The family name Gibbons has various variations across different regions and cultures. In some cases, it is spelled as Gibbins, Gibbon, or Gibbonsen. These variations might have emerged due to different dialects or phonetic changes over time. For instance, the variation Gibbins could have originated from a pronunciation shift or regional accent. Similarly, the variation Gibbon might have been influenced by a simplified spelling or a different pronunciation in a particular area. Another variation, Gibbonsen, could have evolved from the addition of the suffix "-sen," which is commonly found in Scandinavian surnames. These variations highlight the dynamic nature of family names and how they can change and adapt across generations and geographical locations. Regardless of the specific variation, individuals with the surname Gibbons share a common ancestry and heritage, connecting them to a larger family network.
Find your family crest
Learn how to find your family crest.
Other resources:
- Get your official family crest here.
- Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
- See an introduction at wikipedia.com
